Hikers flock to Hong Kong’s Po Pin Chau on first day of National Day ‘golden week’
More than 400 hikers visited one of Hong Kong’s best-known geological attractions on Thursday morning as some tourists chose outdoor activities on the first day of the National Day “golden week”. Some visitors also arrived at Po Pin Chau – where the city’s first countryside real-name reservation system was introduced in late August to manage crowd sizes – ahead of their afternoon booking slots to…
Hong Kong's inaugural five-year plan emphasized its DNA as an international city while stressing the importance of a market economy, according to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. Speaking at a National Day reception, Lee said the city required a strategic blueprint due to the rapidly changing geopolitical environment and the rapid growth of AI.
He highlighted three key aspects of the plan unveiled last month. The first is that the plan adheres to the 'one country, two systems' principle, requiring development under the Basic Law framework. The Basic Law expressly permits capitalism, common law system, and free flow of capital, people, goods, and information in Hong Kong, while the plan emphasizes a market economy and the two-pronged approach of 'effective market' and 'capable government.'
Another feature is to define Hong Kong's strategic position in the world clearly, as both the plan and the latest policy address stress the city's global roles. Lee reiterated the importance of Hong Kong's global positioning in both documents, which illustrate that it is part of the city's DNA. The first five-year plan outlines the direction of Hong Kong's economic and social development from 2026 to 2030, aiming to consolidate its status as an international financial, maritime, aviation, and trade center.
It will also accelerate the city's transformation into an international innovation and technology hub and build a hub for high-calibre talent. Lee emphasized that the plan leverages Hong Kong's unique strengths, guiding the formulation of policies and major projects based on the city's actual conditions and characteristics. The aim is not to list a series of measures but to create a strategic plan that exploits the advantages of the 'one country, two systems' framework, helping Hong Kong seize opportunities aligned with national development.
At the same reception, Hong Kong's first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, delivered a speech from outer space to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Lai expressed excitement and pride at celebrating the anniversary in China's space station and gratitude for China's care and love for Hong Kong and Macau.
She also emphasized that Hong Kong would thrive by integrating and serving national development under its five-year plan.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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